St. George FC returns to Adama City 100KM away from Addis base in less than a week for Ethiopia Cup final against Defense at Adama Abebe Bikila Stadium on Thursday Afternoon.
This is a trip the league champions dread for intimidating atmosphere and safety of their travelling fans who have often come under attack in the city.
Despite the hostilities, the 10 times winners will be braced for a good fight and an opportunity for a second silverware in a season since 2008.
Defense under Coach Gabremedhin Haile who is regarded as the king of Ethiopia Cup, on the other hand will be gunning for the first season glory and a record 14th Ethiopia Cup title.
The road to final
A head of the D-DAY, the Martin Nooij’s men who entered the competition at the quarter-final phase as defending champions edged out Arbaminch 3-2 before another narrow 5-4 penalty triumph against Adama City FC after a full time 1-1 draw in the semis on Tuesday.
Salhadin Seid and Adane Girma were instrumental in the campaign for Kidus netting twice each in open play.
Defense were more emphatic on the road to final, thumping Walyita Dicha 3-0 in the playoffs before brushing aside Dedebit FC 1-0 to enter the last eight. They then annihilated Nigid Bank 3-0 at Addis Stadium on Tuesday to book a place in the big final.
Defense scored seven goals during the campaign; three by Baye Gazahege while conceding non.
Head to head
Defense and Kidus have locked horns six times this season; the latter won four times with one match ending in a draw.
This will be the fourth Ethiopia Cup appearance for Defense in five years, winning twice, once a piece against St. George FC and Hawassa City.
Injury Update
Kidus Giorgis will be without their dependable keeper Robert Odongkara who has been ruled out due to injury and midfielder George Minyahel who is away in the USA attending annual Ethiopia Sports Festival.
The Ugandan keeper was last week feted as the top keeper in Ethiopia Premier League for the fifth time in a row.
Good news kidus will welcome back exciting winger Ramkel Lok from minor injury and Tesfaye Albachew who served five match suspension.
On Defense side, prolific striker Baye Gazahege will miss the match due to injury.
Prediction: St. George 1-2 Defense
@bonfaceosano